Now confirmed in latest Steam Railway that 1450 is to come to stay "for at least 12 months".
2 autocoaches [178 and 238 "Chaffinch"] also coming.

I believe the agreement re sponsorship of certain events by SR means that they will be the first to publicise some news items like this.

I knew that the owner enjoyed his stay this year, and that he wanted to bring it to us.

Nice little engine -- probably the only GWR engine that I really feel comfortable on as the instructor on Footplate Experience Courses. Cab big enough for 4 people, and unlike Manors etc, is fitted with cab doors.

Nice little engine -- probably the only GWR engine that I really feel comfortable on as the instructor on Footplate Experience Courses. Cab big enough for 4 people, and unlike Manors etc, is fitted with cab doors.

Although I welcome it's arrival I am not sure it is the most practical engine for the SVR. I suppose the Auto Coaches would both be behind/in front of the locomotive when operating._________________Tim Easton, an SVR volunteer (Kidderminster Station) of 10 years service! And now an on train buffet steward for 2 years.

Although I welcome it's arrival I am not sure it is the most practical engine for the SVR. I suppose the Auto Coaches would both be behind/in front of the locomotive when operating.

There's no reason for it always to run with the autocoaches; certainly on the Footplate Experiences, it could run as normal with the BR Mk1 9220; subject to water capacity, it could run with 3 coaches on turns when that is all that is required.

Although I welcome it's arrival I am not sure it is the most practical engine for the SVR. I suppose the Auto Coaches would both be behind/in front of the locomotive when operating.

On the contrary! - it is a most practical loco for a cost conscious railway. (we are one on these ar'nt we?).

For services where passenger loading does not exceed 140 seated, the two auto coaches & this loco offer the possibility in saving thousands off the coal bill alone. One of these will only need a few wheelbarrow loads of coal compared to the tons necessary to drag around the usual long sets.
It is to be hoped that we understand our traffic well enough to identify the opportunities to use it to good effect.

There are plenty of Timetable "A" days in May June and September, and should be popular as something "different", which the Autotrain certainly is.
Just have to hope that the "unannounced coach party" dont turn up...!

DMU Group Facebook page, in response to the question "I gather 1450 will be used on selected Timetable A services. Will the DMU be missing for a bit?"

Quote:

The DMU will be used during the railway's steam heat period as it did this year, any other runs with the DMU after this time has not yet be finalised. Operating dates for 2014 will be updated on here shortly once they have been confirmed.

Although I welcome it's arrival I am not sure it is the most practical engine for the SVR. I suppose the Auto Coaches would both be behind/in front of the locomotive when operating.

On the contrary! - it is a most practical loco for a cost conscious railway. (we are one on these ar'nt we?).

For services where passenger loading does not exceed 140 seated, the two auto coaches & this loco offer the possibility in saving thousands off the coal bill alone. One of these will only need a few wheelbarrow loads of coal compared to the tons necessary to drag around the usual long sets.
It is to be hoped that we understand our traffic well enough to identify the opportunities to use it to good effect.

Since 1450 only needs a few wheelbarrow loads of coal, presumably, at the same time it will only use a few buckets of water so that its limited tank capacity should be no problem. _________________Buffer